Sunday, September 24, 2017

It's Monday! What Are You Reading now at The Book Date.
Thank you to Sheila for the years that she handled this meme.Thank you to Kathryn for taking up the baton.

What Are You Reading, is where we gather to share what we have read this past week and what we plan to read this week. It is a great way to network with other bloggers, see some wonderful blogs, and put new titles on your reading list.

We had a crazy week of closings. I will be catching up for a while now.

I enjoyed my listening and reading. I finished four books: two ebooks, one print and one audio. I posted three reviews, a guest post and giveaway plus my usual memes.

I visited only 25 blogs last week.
Shout out this week is for So Many Books, So Little Time. This is another active book review blog.
Thank you to all the nice people who visit me.

Alycat and the Monday Bluesby Alysson Foti Bourque My granddaughter and I enjoyed this children's book. The review and author Guest Post and Tour Giveaway are linked above.Click on book title or review link above for full description.

2. eBook/Kindle (NG)

The Clockwork Dynastyby Daniel H. WilsonI enjoyed this different storyalthough I'm not sure of the ending.
I received this through NetGalley.Click on book title for full description.

3. eBook/Kindle (NG)

Star Hero: A Star Series Novellaby Susan GrantThis is a fast, sexy read. I enjoyed the characters and danger.I received this through NetGalley.First he had to rescue her. Then he'd try to win her back.
A Marine serving in the galactic frontier, Lieutenant Lukas Frank has a lot in common with a street dog named Bang-Bang; they both started off as scrappy orphans fighting to survive--and beat the odds. Things change when Bang-Bang leads Lukas to starpilot Captain Carlynn Riga. The tough war hero learns what it means to surrender--his heart. Lukas's struggles with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, PTSD, threaten to tear the three of them apart, but nothing threatens them more than when Carlynn goes missing in action. Now the rugged, emotionally scarred Marine and his K-9 partner must find Carlynn and bring her home, or risk losing everything he has finally found worth fighting for.
(Expanded from the novella "Stray", originally published in the Pets in Space 1 Anthology)

The League of GovernorsWritten by: Wendy TerrienNarrated by: Brian CallananLength: 10 hrs and 46 mins Series: The Adventures of Jason Lex, Book 2I am close to finishing the adventures in this second book in the series.I received this audio title from the narrator through AudioBook Boom.Click on book title for full description.

Twelve Slays of Christmas: A Christmas Tree Farm Mysteryby Jacqueline FrostThis cover drew me in! So my first Holiday read is a Cozy Mystery. :-)I received this through NetGalley. It releases on October 10.
When Holly White’s fiancé cancels their Christmas Eve wedding with less than two weeks to go, Holly heads home with a broken heart. Lucky for her, home in historic Mistletoe, Maine is magical during Christmastime—exactly what the doctor prescribed. Except her plan to drown her troubles in peppermints and snickerdoodles is upended when local grouch and president of the Mistletoe Historical Society Margaret Fenwick is bludgeoned and left in the sleigh display at Reindeer Games, Holly’s family tree farm.
When the murder weapon is revealed as one of the wooden stakes used to identify trees on the farm, Sheriff Evan Grey turns to Holly’s father, Bud, and the Reindeer Games staff. And it doesn’t help that Bud and the reindeer keeper were each seen arguing with Margaret just before her death. But Holly knows her father, and is determined to exonerate him.The jingle bells are ringing, the clock is ticking, and if Holly doesn't watch out, she'll end up on Santa's naughty list in Twelve Slays of Christmas, Jacqueline Frost’s jolly series debut.

September 10, 2017 - I am back reading on track in the One Year Bible, still with one week to catch up. I am working on getting back on track. I have been reading along with my husband and others from our church. I hope to take more time this year, staying on the day and listening to the companion commentary online.

I completed four books and posted three reviews. That puts me at four current reviews to be up to date.
I am now nine titles behind linking my reviews to Goodreads, Amazon and Audible.:-(
I am down to 3 NetGalley titles (so I may start requesting again) and still 2 author titles in my queue, the others are instafreebies that I do want to get to but not the same commitment.

Mailbox Monday is a gathering place for readers to share the books that came into their house last week and explore great book blogs. This Meme started with Marcia at A Girl and Her Books (fka The Printed Page) and after a tour of hosts has returned to its permanent home at Mailbox Monday. Thanks to the ladies sharing hosting duties: Leslie of Under My Apple Tree, Serena of Savvy Verse & Wit and (yours truly). Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists.
I picked up one tour book and one audiobook for review.
I selected one Audible Daily Deal.
As usual, I picked up more free kindle titles as usual. (Note these are in my Amazon library, NOT on my Kindle until I download and transfer them.)

Are your mailbox and TBR piles blooming?

Review Titles

The narrator was nice to send me a code so I could listen to book 1 before book 2.

We had a good Sunday School lesson on complacency. Then entered praise and worship before the sermon.

Pastor continued the series on Tension, first reminding us that tension can lead to negative outcomes, but that where there is tension, there is power. This week’s message is on Tension in Marriage. Probably everyone has experienced this whether married or a child of a marriage. We bring the best of us to marriage and hope for best. A marriage relationship is filled with tension because two people come together to become as one. Even with the best of plans, which doesn’t always exist, the marriage situation is a recipe for tension.

Pastor noted that often a lot of planning goes into the wedding, but how much goes into the life after the wedding? Pastor shared how there were some mishaps at his wedding and reception but the problems at the wedding didn't set the tone for marriage.

The natural instinct for individuals is to pull away. Satan will do everything he can to destroy the relationship within a marriage. Matthew 19:7-14.

Relieving tension is different from avoiding tension. People need to deal with the tension which will allow the relationship to grow stronger.

Point: Tension is a warning sign AND an opportunity to bring your marriage under God's design.

The Bible shares God’s design for marriage. First, two become one (Genesis 2:24, Matthew 19:6) but it takes more work than just love. God's blueprint for marriage is set out in Ephesians 5. After providing an outline Paul admonishes people to “be careful how you live, not as fools but as the wise. Ephesians 5:15. A primary, necessary element is to “Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ." Ephesians 5:21. This attitude of submission and respect is expanded in verses 22-33.

It helps to recognize stressors in marriage. Stressors are external events that cause impact. This impact is viewed as negative or positive. Which indicates that we have choices in how we react.
Chronic issues will clearly cause problems. If there is a chronic issue it will have to be set off by other areas: spiritual, physical or psychological.

Many stressors are invited in. Instead of avoiding them and allowing them to fester and create a wedge that deteriorates the relationship, they must be dealt with.

How do you eliminate stressors?
1. Recognize the stressor and consider options, make choices. For example, it is not fair for one spouse to feel like he or she only gets leftover time. The situation needs to be discussed and it may take a change of job even if it means less income and/or change of lifestyle. We can have victory in Christ (1 John 5:4) and more than conquerors (Romans 8:37).

2. When the stressor can't be eliminated, we can change our reactions to the stress. God will give you way out. 1 Corinthians 10:13.

Satan wants to destroy marriage; God wants to save the relationship. When tension leads to a decision point, what will you do? It may be time to redefine your identity in Christ. Your own relationship with Christ defines how you deal in marriage. We can plan for marriage by finding our place in Christ first. (As my husband always says: Christ has to be the center of the home for the marriage to be successful in His will.)

I didn’t think I’d find a song about marriage but I found this. Jesus and You.

Verses for Today:Ephesians 5:15-21 NIV15 Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. 18 Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, 19 speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, 20 always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.21 Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.

Thank you Lord for giving me a wonderful husband who agreed that You would be the heart and center of our love and home!

Saturday, September 23, 2017

Thanks to everyone who commented last week.
12 commenters have friends of different politics, different religion, different race and different creed. Two others are from small towns so not as much opportunity for diversity. Two of us mentioned that they respect others but aren't afraid to say if another has made an offensive statement or post.

~~~~~

The Winner from SBB #320 comments is: #4 SUE who can make a GC choice if international or book choice from the Updated (**Finally!) ARC/Review titles or (recently updated) Love and Christmas titles - all linked near the end of the post.

**NOTE: I did post an Updated ARC and Other books for Giveaways. I have to go back and list the titles -- someday.
Please let me know your choice by completing theWINNER FORM.

WEEK #321

(One Question.)

MaryP asks: Do you have a favourite movie that you watch again & again??

We had favorite romance movie before but this would be favorite of ANY movie. I'm trying to think if the romance is my fav. That would be While You Were Sleeping. But hubby and I love to watch Galaxy Quest again and again; also The Postman, and Knight and Day. Of the Hollywood's 100 favorite I have seen all but 14.

Thanks to those who are sending in Questions. DON'T BE SHY! Surely everyone has a Q or two you'd like to ask. Input suggestions in this Suggested Question Form. At the end of each month I draw from the suggestions I used during the month and that person will get a book choice or GC. I thank everyone for submitting questions. Thanks for sending in questions!The supply of questions is dwindling so share some if you think of any -- even if they are duplicates I'll weed through or try to modify. September Comments were provided by Fredamans, Nikki, Sue and MaryP. Random.org chose 4 so MaryP wins the comment selection this month.

Your turn to share. MaryP asks: Do you have a favourite movie that you watch again & again??

SBB Rules:a) Must be a follower.b) Share a comment on the question above.Open internationally and an international winner may get a smaller book or a $5.00 GC if I decide the mailing is too much.I will pick a Comment winner from all comments made through Saturday September 30, 2017 at 5 PM central.

Review:
Staff Sergeant Torin Kerr has seen her share of battle – sometimes with more success than others. Her platoons last encounter with the Others had left a good chunk of the soldiers in sick bay and desperately seeking shore leave for a break. Kerr already started her break the evening before having met an intoxicating di’Taykan and enjoyed a vigorous night of pleasure. It is only due irony that the man turns out to be her new commander.

Her platoon isn’t ready for another assignment but that is what they are getting. At least it isn’t a battle assignment but rather their job will be to serve as honor guard, escorting diplomats on a mission to gain agreement from the Silsviss to join as an ally with the Confederation as they fight against the Others. The Silsviss are an extremely large, strong, reptilian race who consider battle prowess as the measure of success. This is the first time a delegation has been sent to their planet and success isn’t guaranteed.

Most of the assignment goes well, with only a few rough encounters. However, on the last trip before the vote is to be taken, the ship Kerr’s platoon is on is shot down into a reserve where the young Silsviss men are placed to contend for survival and command. The platoon has to find its way across unfamiliar terrain while trying to escape attack of hyped up Silsviss.

I really enjoyed the writing style which includes effective bantering dialogue and lots of action. There were hints to determine the enemy but the primary characters were too busy fighting to spend much time speculating. Kerr is a kickin’ female lead who carries the story. I enjoyed the different alien input too. The story is engaging and I recommend it to sci fi fans who like military action in space. I will likely pick up more in this series.

Audio Notes: Marguerite Gavin is a wonderful narrator whose voice I recognized from several series I like. She does a good job with this work too, presenting different sounds and voices for the human and alien characters. The narration added to my enjoyment of the book.

I pulled this from my Audible TBR shelves. It qualifies for Mount TBR, Audiobook Challenge and "V" in my Alphabet Challenge

Friday, September 22, 2017

Happy Friday!
Whew - another juggling week for me. Heather was out sick Monday so I had to handle title work instead of law work. We have had a lot of closings this week so it has been a crazy roller coaster.
I hope to set up a new box of books this weekend. (I hit 2000 books given away today! I hope they are being enjoyed and shared forward.)

TO ENTER FRIDAY PICK

US Entrants: Leave a comment and tell me WHICH BOOK you would like to get from the Friday Pick lists.
INTERNATIONAL: Leave a comment indicating "Gift Card" (see further comments near the end of the post.)

CUT OFF TIME IS THURSDAY NIGHTS AT 9:00 PM CENTRAL so I do not have to stay up too late to do the winner post! I will randomly pick two winners to announce Friday mornings with the next Pick post.

Thank you to all who entered the September 15 Pick. There were two automatic wins this week. Automatic wins are those who requested the book four times without other people asking for that book during those weeks. There were two titles blocked; one was won. AUTO: Becky gets the Lisa Gardner Pairandbn100 gets CAIN

CONGRATULATIONSto Random.org picked Winners from September 15 Pick: MARY P gets a GC through the block.MYSTICA also gets a GC.

All winners please fill in the Winner's Acceptance Formor email me to confirm your win, send your snail mail address information and let me know if you would like bookmarks - sensual, sexy or sweet bookmarks. {The form is new because Google changed their forms and the old one wasn't letting me print out the responses.}

PAIRS:Suzanne Brockman: Flashpoint and Over the EdgeLisa Gardner: Hide and The Survivor’s Club (spine wear)SINGLES:Treasure Me by Robyn DeHartCold Blooded by Lisa JacksonHouse of Dreams by Brenda Joyce (slight spine wear)The Eye of the World by Robert JordanSurrender My Love by Johanna Lindsey (slight spine wear)204 Rosewood Lane by Debbie MacomberThe Big Bad Wolf by James Patterson – Audio CassettesThe Duchess Diaries by Barbara Dawson SmithTo Conquer a Highlander by Mary WineCain by James Byron Huggins (Hardback)The New Birth Order Book by Dr. Kevin LemanReader’s Digest Large Type: At First Sight by Nicholas Sparks and Consigned to Death by Jane K. Cleland

New Book Group #73 June 16, 2017
I was looking for Summer titles but that didn’t really work. SINGLES:The Cowboy by Joan Johnston
A Dragon Prince by Mary Gillgannon
A Kiss Before Dawn by Kimberly Logan

New Book Group #72 May 12, 2017
PAIRS:Brenda Joyce: The Third Heiress and The RivalJayne Ann Krentz: Dangerous Affair and True Colors
SINGLES:
Rainbow Mars by Larry Niven
Bound by Destiny by Rayka Mennen
The Fireman’s Fair by Josephine Humphreys (Hardcover)

New Book Group #71 March 10, 2017Mysteries and Thrillers SINGLES:There Was A Little Girl by Ed McBain (Audio Cassettes)

New Book Group #70 January 27, 2017
Thought I’d share some romances for February:
SINGLES:Kissed by Shadows (Get Connected Romances) by Jane FeatherLove's Brazen Fire by Betina Krahn

New Book Group #69 November 18, 2016 -- All Gone

New Book Group #68 October 28, 2016
SINGLES:Plan of Attack by Dan Brown

New Book Group #67 September 9, 2016

(*Three more very old books from my Gothics box.)SINGLES:*The Man in the Garden by Paule Mason (1969 - yellowed)

New Book Group #66 June 25, 2016

(I will post a picture later. *Four of these books are very old; pulled from a box of gothic novels I have had for many years. They may not be wanted by anyone and if so, I will donate elsewhere in time.)
SINGLES:*Maggie – Her Marriage by Taylor Caldwell (1953 very old, yellowed pages, some stain damage doesn't effect reading)Fire Dancer by Ann Maxwell

If you saw the pictures posted of my bookshelves and boxes you know I do have lots of books! And that doesn't include the other eight or so boxes at my office!! And more books as I find deals too good to pass up! I am sharing my book bounty by these Friday Pick Giveaways.

I started Friday Pick on November 27, 2009 and in almost seven years I have posted 68 groups of 16 (1,088) books to find new homes! (as of November 4, 2016).

I am happy to say that so far about 2,000!+ books have found new homes! YAY. I have to update my print out to check the exact number sent out - a few were never claimed. I periodically update the lists - deleting those won. You can still go to the Friday Pick list link to see older posts and the older lists book pictures if you want!

Note rules here regarding international entries.

Because postage to overseas can be prohibitive I am willing to give a $5.00 book certificate to international winners - Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Borders, ARe, TWRP, ClassAct Books, eTreasures, Desert Breeze, etc....you tell me where and I'll set it up. So for my overseas visitors your comment may indicate a smaller book and I'll check postage or note your choice of gift card.

I learned that The Book Depository does not ship to everywhere. The postage for some of the books to far away places runs between $7.00 and $10.00 and up. Since I would award $5.00 for The Book Depository to an international winner, as an alternative you may choose a smaller book and we will hope the postage will not exceed $6.00. If the postage is more, or if you want to pick a larger book and you are willing to pay any extra postage beyond the $6.00 I will work with you on that. This may not make a difference to many but if it helps one or two of you to give one of my books a home that will make me happy too. :o)

Repeating this helpful blog tip: You can right click on a link and you will be given the choice to open the link in a new window or tab so you do not navigate away from the screen you are on!! I use this all the time!